JPH02144314A - Conveyor belt having bendability in lateral direction - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To simplify the manufacture of a horizontally bendable belt by connecting an overall width module and a half width module in a brick laying system with pivot rods to form a conveyor belt. CONSTITUTION: An overall width module 56 and four half-width modules 58A, 58B, 60A, 60B are mutually fitted at each link end, for instance 70A-70C, 70M on the figure, and connected with nonindicated pivot rods so that each module may bend at a joint spot. The overall width module and the half width module are connected in a brick laying way by this repeated connection to form a specified conveyor belt. The modules 56, 58A, 50B, 60A, 60B are severally injection-molded of plastics. A horizontally bendable belt can be simply manufactured by this construction.

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to horizontally translatable, flexible conveyor belts, and more particularly to conveyor belts having a plurality of separate modules connected by pivot rods. The module is preferably manufactured by injection molding and has a plurality of first and second pivot ends that mate with pivot ends of other modules and are held by pivot rods. In particular, the belt of the invention may be driven by any suitable means, including means for driving the belt at the center of the pitch line of each module. Additionally, the belt of the present invention may be driven by other known means, including techniques for actuating belts, such as the armature of a linear motor.

Technical background A typical modular conveyor belt was developed in 1975.
No. 3,870,141, issued May 11th. According to this known patent, substantially separate modules made by injection molding are pivotally connected to each other to form a conveyor belt of a desired length.

Each module includes a plurality of extension elements, each extension element having a
It has a first pivot end and a second pivot end. A plurality of extension elements are coupled, and through holes formed in each of the first and second plurality of pivot ends are located on first and second pivot axes that are parallel to each other, respectively. The link end of one module is mated and pivotally connected to the link end of the other module by a pivot end;
The whole is formed into a belt of desired length. Injection molded plastic belts made according to this known patent have been welcomed by industry and are used in many applications.

U.S. Patent No. 4171 dated October 16, 1979979
No. 045 is a patent that recognized the need to provide a conveyor surface on which conveyed objects would not slip.

The belt of U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,045 is similar to the belts of U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,141 and U.S. Pat. It differs in that it includes a plurality of protrusions that contact and press against articles resting on the surface to prevent the belt from passing under the articles.

Similarly, dated June 22, 1981, issued U.S. Pat.
No. 213,527 discloses a module for forming a linked conveyor belt with raised ridges extending transversely to the conveying direction to prevent the conveyor belt from slipping under articles resting on the conveying surface. are doing. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 41, dated October 19, 1979,
No. 70281, and U.S. Pat. The conveyor belt is shown with a section that rotates.

Conveyor belts specifically designed to vary horizontally or flexibly are
U.S. Patent No. 41531, issued January 22, 1980
．． No. 52 and US Pat. No. 4,184,588.

Although the bells described in these patents are shown to operate satisfactorily, they suffer from the disadvantage that they are not brick-built and cannot be adjusted in width. This belt also requires two different types of modules and two different types of pivot rods. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,290,762, issued September 22, 1981, discloses a side-flexing plastic modular transmission chain. but,
This device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,153,152 and 41
No. 84588 is far less relevant to the present invention.

U.S. Patent No. 47, issued on 5J110/1988 f=i
The conveyor belt illustrated in Figure 4 of No. 42907 is
It is a modular plastic belt, brickworked and therefore can be provided in various widths. This belt cannot handle small items, cannot take very steep turns, and can only be driven in one direction.

], a plastic modular belt substantially as described in U.S. Pat. has been done. However, the minimum turning radius of the belt is so large that it cannot be used for bending purposes. U.S. Patent No. 455737.4
No. describes an embodiment intended for bending.

Various types of wire mesh and flat wire metal belts are commercially available, but mesh belts are bendable and horizontally translatable, and are specifically marketed for this purpose. Examples of these types of belts are U.S. Pat. No. 2,872,023, U.S. Pat.
No. 3,920,117 and U.S. Pat. No. 407
No. 8,655 and the aforementioned U.S. Pat.
It has a turning radius that is substantially the same as that of No. 7.

This metal belt system can have a very small turning radius, but can only be bent in one direction and consists of two parallel belts with different pitches. Furthermore, wire mesh and flat wire metal belts are all very heavy and cannot be connected in brickwork fashion to provide belts of all desired widths, without the advantages of modular plastic belts. not present.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,368,662 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,651,924, issued on February 13, 1968 and March 28, 1972, respectively, have one slot and one circular through hole parallel to each other. shows a metal belt with a number of individual links on a pivot rod.

These belts have the disadvantages of being time consuming to manufacture, having a high weight of old metal, and having a limited turning radius.

Accordingly, after a search of prior art patents and commercially available belts, we have specifically designed them to have both horizontal bendability, brickwork connectability, and the ability to provide belts with any desired width and length. To date, there has been no simple, low-cost, modular conveyor belt that can be manufactured. It is therefore an object of the present invention to make a "Radius" conveyor belt (i.e. a belt with horizontal bending capability), capable of being connected in a bricklaying manner, and simple to manufacture and use. Our aim is to provide inexpensive modules.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive module that can be easily assembled into a belt, has horizontal bidirectional bending, and is manufactured by injection molding.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide modules for forming a radius or horizontally curved conveyor belt that is modular, easily repairable and replaceable, and has a very small turning radius.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a module for the construction of radius conveyors which is adapted to be driven with currently existing drive methods and which can therefore be retrofitted to existing anchorages.

A further object of the invention is to provide a conveyor belt capable of pivoting or bending in any horizontal direction, capable of being manufactured to custom widths, and capable of cooperating with a pile of combs to transport articles into and out of the belt. is to provide.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION One objective of the present invention is accomplished by providing modules that are pivotally connected for horizontal translation and conveyor belts made from these modules. The modules of this invention are preferably manufactured by injection molding of a suitable polymeric plastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, acetal resin, or the like. Each module has an upper surface and a lower surface, and a plurality of first and second link ends connected by a connecting structure, such as a cross member, integrally molded with one or both of the upper surface and the lower surface. There is. A pivot hole is formed in each of the plurality of first and second link ends, and the plurality of pivot holes in turn define first and second pivot axes. In one embodiment, the pivot hole formed in one of the plurality of first and second link ends is an elongated hole. In other embodiments, the pivot holes formed in both the first and second link ends of the plurality are both elongated holes. The length of each module is determined by the length of the extension link elements, and the width of the module is determined by the number of extension link elements connected by connecting members, such as upper and lower cross members. The first and second pivot axes formed by the plurality of first and second link ends are parallel so that these axes lie in a common plane. The thickness of each pivot end is less than the spacing between adjacent pivot ends (so that the pivot ends of one module are It is mated and connected with the pivot ends of other modules.

In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the pivot ends is somewhat greater than twice the width of the pivot ends so that the most distal ends of a pair of pivotally connected pivot ends can bypass each other. A selection of the modules (usually all modules) are driven by a driving force applied substantially parallel to the common plane and perpendicular to the pivot axis, or relative to the same axis, to move said modules. means for receiving a driving force having at least a vector applied perpendicularly to the driving force. As a result, a belt made of multiple modules moves in a direction perpendicular to the parallel pivot axes. for example,
In one embodiment, the means for receiving the driving force comprises a coupling structure, i.e. a member integrally molded with and extending across the pivot ends, approximately in the middle of the two pivot axes, the member comprising: , suitable for cooperating with a recess formed in the sprocket drive wheel. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to provide the connecting structure of the module with multiple teeth instead of a single tooth.

Further, the connecting structure cross member of each module is integrally molded with the plurality of link ends, and is arranged such that the leading edge of at least one link end of the plurality of link ends can partially pass through the connecting structure. has been done. As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the coupling structure is comprised of two intersecting members located approximately centrally between the two pivot axes and integrally molded on each of the top and bottom surfaces of the module.

Example Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows horizontal (horizontal) and vertical (longitudinal) belts of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing directional flexibility. As shown, the belt (20) has arrows (22A), (22B), (22C
), (22D) and (22E). The belt (20) has the ability to bend vertically as shown by the belt (20) passing around the sprocket (24). Also, the sprocket (24) is indicated by the arrow (
26). A point on the belt (20) advances from sprocket 1-(24) and reaches the drum (28).
), during which the belt (20) has to bend slightly in the vertical direction and clockwise in the horizontal direction. According to Figure 1, the belt (20
) wraps around the drum (28) more than a complete turn. However, in some applications, such as refrigerated or heated conveyors, the belt (20) is
8), it is necessary to travel in a spiral shape many times. After completing a spiral path around the drum (28), the belt (20) runs in a straight line indicated by the arrow (22C) towards the wheel (30), at which point the belt moves along the arrow (22C). Turn counterclockwise horizontally as indicated by 32). Alternatively, the belt may helically wrap around the second drum and travel tangentially down the desired level.

As shown, the belt (20) is attached to the wheel (30).
The vehicle rotates the wheel (30) by more than 180 degrees when passing through. The belt (20) then advances until it encounters a horizontal wheel (34), where it changes its path in the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow (36). Further, the belt advances, bends vertically over the drive sprocket (38), meets another drive sprocket (40), where it bends vertically again and returns to its starting point on the drive sprocket (24). Various methods can be used to drive the belt as shown in Figure 1, typically a drum (28) providing some drive to the belt (20) as shown by a drive motor (42). Additionally, one or more drive sprockets (24), (38) and (40) are used to provide driving force to belt (20). It is desirable to use thin drums such as wheels (30) and (34), so that the driving force is provided when the belt changes horizontal direction at the wheels (30) and (34); This usage is not common. The belt (20) extends both horizontally and vertically.
It is clear from the description of the two feet that it has unique bending performance.

Alternatively, the belt (20) may be passed between a pair of vertical rollers (44A) and (44B). Vertical roller (44A
) and (44B) turn the belt upside down every time the belt rotates along a predetermined path. More specifically, bell 1-(20) leaves drive sprocket (40) and then moves parallel and perpendicular rollers (44A) and (44B).
), the belt begins to twist, and this twisting allows the belt to pass between these rollers. As the belt advances past the vertical rollers (44A) and (44B), it continues to twist in the same direction so that it can pass around the drive sprocket (24). Drive sprocket (40) to drive sprocket (2)
As seen in the movement to 4), the belt surface (4)
6) and surfaces (48) are reversed, with each surface acting as both a top surface and a bottom surface. Therefore, in this embodiment, the belt can be used for a very long time since both sides of the belt act as both support and drive surfaces.

When the belt runs between drive sprocket (40) and drive sprocket (24), it is not essential to utilize the above torsion. The belt has drive sprockets (40) and (2) such as belt section (50) shown in phantom.
4) It is possible to take a normal straight path between. When the belt follows a twist-free path, the top surface always remains the top or belt surface of the belt, and the bottom surface always remains the bottom surface of the belt.

Conveyor belts are required in all sizes of length and width to meet various conveying requirements. These widths may vary, for example, from 6' to 60'. In addition, the width change described above is of course necessary not only for belts that have horizontal flexibility (not only for belts that run straight but also for belts that have horizontal flexibility as shown in Figure 1). As a result, the belt system consists of modules (1/1
(including 2 widths) or as a unit. Figure 2 shows a belt of the type shown in Figure 1 made in three module widths from the same module of a single width and several 1/2 width modules; It has the strength of a width module. The strength of the belt is obtained by interlocking and connecting the pivot ends. As shown, a full width module (52
A), (52B) and (52C) are simply lined up across the belt in the width direction. . Module (52A)
, (52B) and (52C) are respectively two full-width modules, e.g. (54A) and (54B), and (54C) and (54D).
It consists of two 172-width modules. The edges of each module, with the exception of the edge of the outermost module, are thus located at an intermediate position of the interlocked modules in what is commonly referred to as a brickwork pattern. This brickwork pattern continues along the length of the belt (and the belt has substantially greater widthwise strength than if it were not brickworked. However, while retaining the flexibility of a single module belt, Obtaining the benefits of stacking belts has been a challenge in the past.

The preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 3, has the dual performance advantages of the brickwork configuration, without losing any of the flexibility typically associated with radius belts that are only a single module wide. It is a modular plastic belt that runs in a straight line. The belt section in Figure 3 consists of one full-width module (56) and four 1/2
Width modules (58A) (58B), (60A) and (
60B). For applications requiring only a single module (56) wide bell), (58A), (
1/2 width modules such as 58B), 60A and 60B are generally not used. FIG. 3 illustrates the use of such a one-by-two-width module (or other module sections) without substantially reducing the strength of the belt, and illustrates the usefulness of this belt combination.

Modules (56) and (58B) include terminal jJ structures (62) and (64), respectively. Although not necessary for proper operation of the belt, terminal structures (62) and (64) are preferably applied to selected modules on each side of the belt. Terminal structure (62)
and (64) serve to provide a wear surface as the horizontal orientation of the belt changes and a means of transmitting driving force from a drive source such as the drum (28) of FIG. The terminal structures (62) and (64) shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 are formed in every third row of modules on each side of the belt. That is, three of the sides of the belt with the end structure (64)
The modules in every row have similar end structures, and the modules in every third row of the sides with end features (62) also have similar structures. The reason why every third row of modules has such a pattern will be discussed in detail below.

As shown, the plane (66) is connected to the module (58B
), (56) and (60A). A portion of these three modules is selected and indicated by nine frames (68), and its cross-sectional view is shown in FIG. The common structure of the modules shown in FIG. 3 is illustrated in FIG. 4 and subsequent figures, and common reference numerals are used where possible. Figure 4 shows the 3rd
A partial cross-section is shown with respect to plane (66) of the figure. To aid understanding and avoid confusion, module (56) has some shading, while modules C58B) and (60A) are unshaded.

3, together with FIGS. 4 and 5, the interlocking and operation of the aspects of the modules that make up the belt of the present invention can be understood. As these figures show,
Modules such as (58B), (56) and (60A) each have a plurality of first and second link ends, such as link ends (70A), (70B), (70C) to (7
0n) indicates a plurality of first link ends of the module (58B). Similarly, as clearly shown in Figure 4,
Link ends (72A), (72B) located on the opposite side of the module from the corresponding link ends (70A) to (70n)
, (72C) to (72n) are a plurality of second link ends. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each corresponding link end, such as a link end (70A) of a plurality of first link ends and a link end (72A) of a plurality of second link ends, is It is integrally molded with the intermediate section as indicated by the two-way arrow (71A) and forms an extension link extending between the two pivot holes. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, a plurality of first and second link ends are connected by a connecting structure to form the aforementioned extension link. As is more clearly shown in the particular embodiment shown in FIGS.
6). Each link end of the plurality of first link ends defines a pivot hole (78). Similarly, each link end of the plurality of second link ends defines a through hole, such as through hole (80). A plurality of through holes formed in each of the plurality of first and second link ends are arranged along each of the first and second pivot axes. Furthermore, as is clear from FIGS. 3 and 4, the multiple link ends of both
It is suitable for pivotal connection by interlocking, for example by pivot rods (82) and (84) to other identical modules. Therefore, the pivot rod (82)
connects modules (58A) and (50B) to module (56), and pivot rod (84) connects modules (60A) and (60B) to module (56).
Connect to. Thus, a conveyor belt is formed by pivotally connecting a number of modules in the manner described above. In this preferred embodiment, the through hole (78
) and (80) are extended to form a horizontally elongated slot;
A respective pivot rod, such as pivot rod (82), may optionally be inserted into the slot (
It can be moved between the two end positions (86) and (88) shown in 78). In other aspects of the invention, only one pivot hole need be extended to form a slot, as shown below. When a conveyor belt made up of modules as shown in FIG. in the outermost position of the slot, such as the position. Of course, when running in a straight line under tension, this conveyor belt and module operates in the same manner as the typical modular plastic conveyor belts currently on the market. The pivot rod (
86) and position (90) in slot (80), the conveyor belt is in its most extended condition representing "nominal pitch". However, in order to make a horizontal turn or turn, the "pitch" of the belt is
It is necessary to make the inside of the change of direction smaller than the outside. To achieve this, the inside of the belt itself must shrink so that the pitch radius is smaller between the ends of the innermost connected links. The larger the change in pitch between the innermost link end and the outermost link end during turning, the smaller the radius of the whirlpool. To date, the minimum internal turning radius for a single belt has been approximately 2.2 of the total width of the belt.
The inner turning radius of commercially available belts is 2 times the belt width.
Nothing smaller than twice that is known. However, belts with low ratios have been obtained by using two or more types of belts with different pitches side by side. For example, some known radial belts have an inner swirl radius to width ratio of 1°1. Therefore, a single belt that is 3 feet wide would have an inside turning radius of 6.6 feet and an outside turning radius of 9.6 feet (-6.6 feet inside turning radius +
The belt width is 3 feet).

According to the invention, a single belt with a radius of gyration of approximately 1°1 times the width of the belt can be obtained in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3.4 and 5. A minimum turning radius of 2.2 can easily be achieved with all embodiments described herein. For a 3 foot wide belt made according to the embodiment of FIG. + belt width of 3 feet).

To improve the minimum turning radius, cross members or connections 1
It is important that the 1N structure is arranged so that the most distal end of the link end can at least pass through the connection structure, and that it is formed integrally with the plurality of link ends. As shown more specifically in Figures 3.4 and 5, the link ends move and pass between the two cross members (74) (76). This means that the height of the link end, indicated by the two-way arrow (92), is made somewhat smaller than the inner spacing between the upper and lower cross members (74, 76), indicated by the two-way arrow (94). This can be achieved by doing. In reality, as shown more clearly in FIG.
The link ends of the connection module such as
) can be passed between the cross members (74, 76) until contacting the cross member (74) (76). The leading edge (98) of the virtual link end (96) also extends well beyond the centerline (102) of the module, as clearly shown in FIG.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3.4 and 5, the link end (
The spacing between adjacent link ends, indicated by the two-way arrow (104) between 70A) and (70B), is somewhat greater than twice the thickness of the link ends. This wide spacing is necessary to obtain the small turning radius achieved by this invention. The reason is that during turning, when the pitch is at its minimum, the tip of the link end [
For example, the distal end (106) of the link end (72B) of the module (58B)) may be the link end of a module that is not directly pivotally connected to the module (58B) [e.g., the link end (110) of the module (60A)]. This is because it must pass through the most extreme part of the therefore,
There must be sufficient spacing between adjacent links of the module to allow the ends of the links to interlock and overlap. Second, the interlocking link ends of the modules must be spaced far enough apart to allow for an angle relative to the other module for pivoting.

Other embodiments described below, in which the leading ends of the link ends of modules that are not directly connected pivotally, can move past each other, are similar to the embodiments described in FIGS. 3.4 and 5. The columns are arranged into three groups.

That is, the link ends of the entire "first" row of modules are aligned, but none of the link ends of the "second" or "third" row are aligned.

Similarly, the link ends of the "second" row are aligned with the link ends of the other "second" rows, and the link ends of the "third" row are aligned with the link ends of the other "second" rows.
It simply lines up with the link end of the 3rd row. The pattern for each of these three rows is consistent with all currently available radius belts or horizontally bent belts where the alignment of all rows of the module is the same. This belt also differs from Ike's plastic modular belts, including the belt of FIG. 4 of U.S. Pat. Although the spacing is not critical, a spacing of approximately 20% greater than the combined thickness of the two link ends is preferred to maintain strength and provide sufficient spacing to allow overlapping link ends to form an angle to each other. It was discovered that

Figures 6A and 6B show top and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment provides that the turning radius of the belt formed from this type of module is
．． The turning radius of the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 is substantially the same as the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 3.4 and 5, except that it is not as small. The belt module formed from the modules shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B also has a three-row repeating pattern. In the plan view shown in FIG. 6A, the connecting structure and spacer that connect the extension links are not shown in order to simplify the explanation. The modules are various links (12OA), (120B), (120C) ~ (12
On), these are connected by connecting structures, such as the cross members (122, 124) shown in FIG. 6B.

Similarly, the links shown at (126A), (126B) through (126n) indicate the second connected module, and the links (128A) through (128n) represent the cross member (122) shown in FIG. 6B. The third module is shown connected by a connecting structure such as (124). These three modules also exhibit one of the "3-tad repeating patterns. The pivot rods (13
0) has a link end (120A) to (12On) and a link end (126A) to (126n).
) are pivotally connected to the modules that form the corners.

Similarly, the pivot rod (132) is connected to the link end (126).
A) A module having .about.(126n) is pivotally coupled with a module having link ends (128A) .about.(128n). The module shown in cross-section in FIG. 6B is substantially the same as that described in FIG. 5, except that the pivot hole (134) is circular and not an elongated hole like the through hole (78) shown in FIG. It's the same. It should also be noted that the elongated hole (136) in FIG. 6B is somewhat longer than the through hole (80) in FIG. Compare the top three elements (12On), (126n) and (128n) links shown in Figure 6A with the leftmost link of the module shown in Figure 3, and find that the two belts have the same nominal pitch radius. Assuming, it is clear that the pitch of the belt on the outside of the radius turn is the same in both embodiments.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the minimum pitch between the innermost pivotally connected link ends is not as small as the pitch between the innermost link ends of FIG.

The reason that the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B does not have a smaller turning radius than the embodiment of FIGS.
This is because it operates with two long holes and one circular hole. Link(
The right end (138) of the pivot rod (12OA)
32) and cannot move any further to the right, as is clear from FIG. 6A. Similarly, link (126
The right end of A) also comes into contact with the pivot rod (142) and cannot move any further to the right. The maximum shrinkage ratio between belt width and inner swirl radius for the design of Figure 6A is still approximately 1.
．． 7, and the turning radius is considerably smaller than that of the conventional model with a ratio of 2°2.

Such an improvement in the turning radius is such that the end (138) of the link (120A) has an upper and lower transverse connection section (
124) and (122) to link (126A).
) is achieved by being able to pass through the center line (144) of

Similarly, the end (140) of the module made up of links (126A) to (126n) also passes through its transverse section, and the centerline (146) of the module made up of links (128A) to (128n) can pass through. In fact, in the embodiment of the invention where a swing ratio of 1.7 is obtained, the end (138) not only passes through the centerline of the pivotally connected modules, but also links (128)
A) The end (1) of the module composed of (128n)
48).

FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment incorporating features of the present invention. As shown in the figure, link elements (150A) to (15
The module consists of pivot rods (1
52) link elements (154A) to (154
n). Similarly, a module made up of link elements (154A) to (154n) connects the pivot rod (156
), link elements (158A) to (158n)
It is pivotally connected to a module made up of.

The cross-sectional view of the modules constituting the belt shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6B, but the difference between the modules is between adjacent link elements such as link elements (15OA) and (150B). It is only that the spacing shown by the two-way arrow (160) in FIG. The embodiment shown in FIG.
Although the embodiment of Figure A does not have a small turning radius, its turning radius is approximately 2.0-2.1, which is much smaller than the turning radius currently available with existing single belts. The above small turning radius, which is smaller than what is currently available, is
5OA) part (164) and link element (158A)
This is achieved by that the outermost parts of the link ends, such as parts (166), are able to contact and abut each other when the belt is whirling at the minimum whirling diameter, even if they cannot pass through each other. Ru. This differs from prior art belts in which the transverse structural members connecting the individual links or link ends of each module prevent such contact. However, unlike the previously described embodiments, the belt constructed of modules with spacing between adjacent link ends has a two-row repeating pattern rather than a three-row repeating pattern.

In FIG. 1, sprockets (24), (38) and (40) are shown as being used as drive sprockets. Additionally, the drum (28) often provides some type of driving force to move the belt along a predetermined path. When the drum (28) is used for driving,
Frictional contact between the drum and an edge of the belt, such as edge (64) shown in FIG. 3, provides driving force to belt (20).

A drive source such as a drum (28) is generally not used as a driving force to move the belt in a predetermined path. In most cases, the driving force is provided by drive sprockets (24), (38) and (40), such as those shown in FIG. Comparing Figure 8 with Figures 3.5 and 6B, we find that
A particularly satisfactory drive sprocket arrangement for the previously described module is shown. As shown in FIG. 8, the drive sprocket (1, 68) is provided with a number of teeth such as teeth (170) and recesses such as recesses (172). As shown in this figure, a belt constructed of modules such as those shown in Figures 3 and 5 has a lower transverse member (
74) is the concave part (172) of the sproget 1- (168)
The driving force is received by acting together with the receiving teeth. Thus, when the sprocket provides a force that has at least a vector perpendicular to the direction of travel, the belt is propelled in the desired direction. Another advantage of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is obtained from the symmetry of the conveyor belt, which is constructed in modules as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The upper cross member (76) of the module as shown is located at the sprocket (76) after the belt has passed the sprocket (co-68).
174), it becomes a driving tooth. Therefore, the third
A belt constructed of modules such as those shown in Figures 5 and 5 can be driven from either the top or the bottom by transverse cutting. According to FIG. 6B, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A and 7 having a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 6B can also be driven with a sprocket structure similar to that shown in FIG. Therefore, all belt embodiments mentioned in the above points can be driven from both the top and bottom sides of the belt.

Figures 9A, 9B and 90 show top, side and cross-sectional views, respectively, of another embodiment of the module. As shown in these Figures, and in particular Figures 9B and 9C, the modules making up this belt, in addition to the modules of Figures 3 and 5, act as ribs on every other link of each module; Upper extending structure (176) forming a groove through a transfer comb, such as a crest (178) of a comb (180)
The module is substantially the same as the module shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, except that it includes a module. This arrangement is shown more clearly in Figure 9A. Also every fourth link 1. It is of course also possible to mold the modules so that only one has an upper extension structure.

With this arrangement, the module would have to be fabricated without the upper extension structure (176B) shown in Figure 9A, but with the teeth (182) (184) shown in dashed lines in Figure 9A.
) can be provided with very wide teeth on the core A (180). The cooperation of the teeth (178) of the comb (180) and the raised ribs significantly improves the transfer of product to and from the belts constructed of such modules. The transfer comb of the belt as shown in FIG. 9A is of course located in a portion of the belt that runs in a straight line and is not bent horizontally. Due to the addition of the upper extension structure, the driving force of the belt is generally applied only to the lower structure or lower cross section of the module.

A drive sprocket can be used to drive the belt on the top surface if its width allows it to fit between the raised ribs of the module.

FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment of the invention, in which the module does not include an upper cross member and only the lower cross member (74) is used as the connecting structure between the links. Otherwise, it has substantially the same structure as that shown in FIG. 4 or 6A (the structure in FIG. 6A is indicated by dashed lines (186) and (188)). A belt made of modules having a cross-section similar to that shown in FIG. 10 will resist tension substantially the same as a belt such as that shown in FIG. Although strong and suitable for most operations, it is not suitable to withstand the bending loads shown by the thick arrows (190) applied to the top of the belt. Also, a belt similar to that of FIG. 10 can only be driven from the underside of the belt.

Figure 11 shows that i'fJ (192) of the transfer comb is 10th.
Figure 3 shows the operating state of a variant of the embodiment shown;

As shown, the top of the selected extension link is extended and raised as shown by the two-way arrow (194) to create a groove to receive the transfer comb teeth (192).

As shown in FIG. 9A and discussed above, the elongated and elevated portions are not necessarily added to all of the extension links. Preferably, the elongated section is added to every other link, or perhaps every fourth link, of the module. A raised section can also be added to the fourth nonk 1H, but it provides less support for the product being carried.

Thin belts can be produced by modules such as those shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic plan view of still another embodiment of the invention. As shown in the figure, this embodiment does not use a single parallel link between two distantly spaced ends, except that the extension is not in a straight line between the two link ends. , which is substantially the same as the embodiment already described, in particular of FIG. 6A.

As shown, the extension link (196) has a link end (
198) to the straight part (200), and then from the straight part (200) to the rightmost link 'J::A (202)
Even the edges are bent. That is, the extension link includes the first
and the part (204) that is not perpendicular to the second pivot axis and (2
06) is the straight line part (198), (200) and (20
It is between 2).

Additionally, the link end (208) indicated by the two-way arrow (212)
) and (210) are the first
The embodiment of FIG. 2 should be somewhat thicker than the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A. As the belt module expands and contracts as it pivots, the module must slide along the pivot rod, and this expansion and contraction action causes the i'i of the pivot rod to ') helps keep the belt more hygienic.

The spacer (214) shown in the embodiment of FIG. 12 maintains the proper spacing between the pivotally connected modules and also acts as a cam chamber to guide or slide the link along the pivot rod. help you do it. Although not shown, the various modified embodiments already described are
It can be incorporated into a staggered link structure as shown in Figure 2. For example, a belt having the modular construction of FIG. 12 may be supplemented with a raised rib structure to receive the teeth of a transfer comb for moving objects into and out of the belt, as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 90. Can be done.

Referring to FIG. 13, the width of the link end portion that contacts the pivot rod is increased, and the supporting area is expanded as shown in the portion (216).

However, the spacing (218) between adjacent links at the ends of the pivotally connected links is greater than the width of the wide portion (208) of the ends of the links.
A minimum inner turning radius can be obtained if the width of the link is at least twice the width of the link. As shown in the figure, the widened link end has a dovetail shape (drumstick shape), but the rectangular link end (220 mm) shown at the bottom of FIG.
) (222) and (224).

Although specific embodiments of modules and conveyor belts that are capable of bending and translating horizontally have been described above, such bow embodiments do not reflect the concept and specific implementation of the present invention. No limitations are intended to the scope of the invention except as described in the claims that include the embodiments.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the conveyor belt of the present invention can bend in the horizontal and vertical directions, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating how belts of all widths can be fabricated; FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a side view of the module of FIG. 3; FIGS. 6A and 6B are longitudinal sections of another embodiment of the invention. The side view and plan view, Fig. 7, Fig. 6A and Fig. 6
FIG. 8 is a side view of a belt of the invention driven on both the upper and lower sides by a pair of sprockets; FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C;
10 is a plan view, a side view and a cross-sectional view of a modification of the belt embodiment of FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a view showing another embodiment of the conveyor belt module of the invention;
1 is a diagram showing a modification of the belt in FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a plan view of still another embodiment of the present invention. be. In the figure, (20) is a belt, (22A) to (22E
) is an arrow, (24) is a sprocket, (26) is an arrow,
(28) is a drum, (30) is a wheel, (32) is an arrow, (34) is a horizontal wheel, (36) is an arrow, (38
), (40) is a drive sprocket, (42) is a drive motor, (44A) (44B) are vertical rollers, (46) (4
8) is bell! The surface (50) is the belt portion. (Above) / -2 Procedures Shinbo Seisho (Method) Display of the Case 1999 Patent Application No. 162496 Name of the Invention Person who corrects a conveyor belt having lateral bendability Relationship with the case Patent application PeopleThe Lightrum Corporation

Claims (44)

[Claims] (1) A module for making a conveyor belt having an upper surface and a lower surface and capable of moving through a predetermined path including a transverse bending path by pivotally connecting a number of similar modules with a pivot rod, the module comprising: a plurality of first and second link ends connected by a connection structure integrally molded with at least one of the lower surface and the upper surface, the plurality of first link ends being arranged along a first pivot axis; the plurality of second link ends have pivot holes arranged along a second pivot axis, each of the plurality of link ends being engaged with a link end of a similar module by a pivot rod; The connecting structure connects the link ends, and the pivot hole formed in each link end of one of the plurality of first and second link ends is an elongated hole, and the link structure connects the link ends together. a distal end of a link end of one of the modules integrally molded with at least one of the plurality of first and second link ends and pivotally connected to the plurality of first and second link ends; Said module, characterized in that said section is capable of passing through at least a portion of said connecting structure and is configured such that a belt formed of a number of modules can bend laterally. (2) a distal end of a link end of the module pivotally connected to the plurality of first link ends;
2. The module of claim 1, wherein each plurality of adjacent link ends are spaced apart so that the most distal ends of the link ends of other modules pivotally connected to the link ends can pass through each other. (3) The module according to claim 2, wherein the through holes provided at both the first and second link ends of the plurality of links are elongated holes. (4) The module according to claim 1, wherein the connecting structure is arranged such that the leading edge of the link end of the connected modules can pass through a center point of the module. (5) The module according to claim 1, wherein the connecting structure is constituted by a transverse member integrally molded with the lower surface of the module. 6. The module of claim 5, further comprising a second cross member integrally formed on the top surface of the module. (7) The member molded on the lower surface receives a driving force,
6. A module according to claim 5, wherein the module is a member suitable for moving the module through the predetermined path. (8) The module according to claim (1), wherein the plurality of first link ends have corresponding link ends within the plurality of second link ends. (9) The plurality of first link ends have corresponding link ends within the plurality of second link ends, and the plurality of first link ends have corresponding link ends within the plurality of second link ends, and
and a second said corresponding link ends to form a plurality of extension links, each one of said plurality of extension links connecting one of said plurality of first link ends. Claim (1) comprising: one link end of the plurality of second link ends, an intermediate portion, and one link end of the plurality of second link ends.
) listed modules. (10) further comprising a raised portion integrally molded on the upper surface of the plurality of first and second link ends, the raised portion being parallel to a predetermined path of the module and being transferred from the module; 2. The module of claim 1, further forming a groove for receiving teeth of a comb for removing articles. (11) Suitable for making a conveyor belt having an upper surface and a lower surface and capable of moving a number of similar modules pivotally connected by pivot rods through a predetermined path, including paths that change direction laterally. A module comprising a plurality of extension links extending in the length direction of the module, each of the plurality of extension links extending from a first link end of one link.
a first set of pivot elongated holes aligned in a straight line along a pivot axis; and a second set of pivot elongated holes aligned in a straight line along a second pivot axis at the other end of the extension link; a link end of each link is adapted to be pivotally connected intermeshing with a link end of a similar module to form a conveyor belt by a pivot rod extending through said pivot hole, and said link end is adapted to be pivotally connected to the link end of a similar module to form a conveyor belt; one of the top surfaces has a connecting structure integrally molded therewith, the connecting structure extending across the extension link and pivotally connected to an opposite end of the extension link; Further, the leading ends of the link ends of the modules can pass through each other and through the connecting structure of the modules, so that a belt formed of a number of such modules can bend laterally. A module characterized by being arranged in such a manner. (12) The minimum distance between the plurality of first and second adjacent link ends is approximately 1.2 times the thickness of the link ends (
11) The module described. (13) Claim (1) wherein the distance between adjacent link ends is approximately 1.2 times the total thickness of the two link ends that pass through each other.
1) The module described. (14) Claim 1 or (11) further comprising another connection structure integrally molded with the other of the lower surface and the upper surface.
). (15) The module according to claim (11), wherein the connecting structure formed on the lower surface of the module is adapted to receive a driving force and move the module along a predetermined path. (16) Every other extension link further comprises an integrally molded raised portion having a top surface forming a plane above the top surface of the other extension link, thereby providing an article 12. A module according to claim 9, further comprising grooves for receiving teeth of a comb for removing the comb from the module. (17) Claim (1) wherein the leading end of the selected link has a thickness greater than the thickness of the other portion of the link end.
Or the module described in (11). (18) every third extension link further has an integrally molded raised portion having an upper surface forming a plane above the upper surface of the other extension link; forming grooves for receiving teeth of a comb for removing articles from said module.
). (19) The extension links are comprised of first and second groups, and the extension links of the first group have an upper surface that forms one plane above the upper surface of the second group. 12. A module according to claim 9 or 11, forming a plurality of grooves for receiving teeth of a comb for removing articles from the module. 20. Claim 11 further comprising means integrally molded on the upper surface of said extension link, said means forming a groove parallel to said extension link for receiving teeth of a comb for removing articles from said module. Modules listed. (21) further comprising a spacer integrally molded on a side surface of the selected link end, the spacer having the same thickness as the thickness of the link end, and providing mutual support between the pivotally connected link ends; 12. A module according to claim 1 or 11, which maintains spacing and facilitates movement of link ends past each other. (22) The module according to claim 9 or 11, wherein the extension link has a portion that is not perpendicular to the pivot axis. (23) A conveyor belt adapted to bend laterally and move through a predetermined path, the conveyor belt being connected by a number of pivot rods, an upper surface and a lower surface, and an integrally molded connecting structure; a plurality of modules having a plurality of first and second link ends, the plurality of first link ends forming a pivot through hole arranged along a first pivot axis; two link ends define a pivot aperture arranged along a second pivot axis, each of the plurality of link ends of each of the plurality of modules being connected by one of the plurality of pivot rods;
a pivot hole formed in each of the plurality of first and second link ends, which is engaged with and pivotally connected to one of the plurality of other plurality of link ends, is an elongated hole; The connecting structure connecting the link ends is formed integrally with at least one of the plurality of first and second link ends, and is pivotally connected to the plurality of first and second link ends. a leading edge of one link end of the module is capable of passing through at least a portion of the connecting structure;
A conveyor belt, characterized in that the belt is arranged so that it can be bent laterally. (24) At each of the plurality of adjacent link ends of the module, the most extreme part of the link end of the module pivotally connected to the plurality of first link ends located between the adjacent link ends, and the link end between the adjacent end link ends. Claim 1, wherein the plurality of second link ends located at the plurality of second link ends are spaced apart from each other so that the leading end of the link end of the module pivotally connected can pass through each other.
23) Conveyor belt as described. (25) The conveyor belt according to claim (23), wherein the through holes formed at both ends of the plurality of links are elongated holes. (26) The conveyor according to claim (23), wherein the connecting structure of the plurality of modules is further arranged such that the leading edge of the pivotally connected modules can pass through a center point of the modules. belt. (27) The conveyor belt according to claim 23, wherein the connecting structure of each module is constituted by a cross member integrally formed on the lower surface of each module. (28) The conveyor belt of claim (23), wherein one of the plurality of first link ends of the module has a corresponding one link end of the plurality of second link ends. (29) The plurality of first link ends have corresponding link ends within the plurality of second link ends, and further a plurality of intermediate portions connecting the plurality of first and second corresponding link ends. forming a plurality of extension links, each of the plurality of extension links comprising one of the plurality of first link ends, an intermediate portion, and one of the plurality of second link ends. (23) Conveyor belt as described. (30) A conveyor belt adapted to bend laterally and move through a predetermined path, the conveyor belt having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of extension links extending along the length of the module, each of which is integral with the conveyor belt. a plurality of substantially similar modules molded into a plurality of extension links, and a plurality of pivot rods, each of said plurality of extension links having a plurality of extension links arranged along a first pivot axis located at one of the link ends. and a second set of pivot slots arranged along a second pivot axis at the link end at the other end of the extension link, the link end of each of the plurality of modules a coupling structure integrally molded on the lower surface and extending transversely to the extension link; further comprising: the structure being pivotally connected to opposite ends of the extension links, the leading ends of the link ends of the module being able to pass through each other when the belt is laterally bent; The conveyor belt is arranged so as to be able to pass through at least a portion of the connection structure of the module. (31) The conveyor belt of claim (23) or (30), wherein the extension link has a portion that is not perpendicular to the pivot axis. (32) The minimum spacing between the plurality of first and second adjacent link ends of the module is such that the plurality of first and second link ends are interlocked and pivoted between adjacent link ends of the plurality of first and second link ends. 24. A conveyor belt according to claim 23, wherein the conveyor belt is greater than the maximum width of the link ends of the connected modules. (33) The distance between adjacent link ends is
Claim (30) wherein the thickness is approximately 1.2 times the thickness of the link end interlocked between the adjacent link ends of the second link end and the second link end.
Or the conveyor belt according to (32). (34) The conveyor belt of claim (27) or (30), further comprising a cross member integrally formed on the upper surface of the module. (35) According to claim (27) or (30), the member integrally molded on the lower surface of the module is adapted to receive a driving force to move the belt through the predetermined path. Conveyor belt as described. (36) The transverse member integrally formed with the top surface of the module is adapted to receive a driving force to move the belt through the predetermined path.
Conveyor belt as described. (37) Every third extension link end has an integrally molded extension having an upper surface forming a plane above the upper surface of another rectangular link. 31. A conveyor belt according to claim 29 or 30, wherein grooves are provided for receiving teeth of combs by which articles are removed from the belt. (38) every other extension link has an integrally molded extension having an upper surface forming a plane above the upper surfaces of the remaining extension links;
A conveyor belt according to claim 29 or 30, wherein grooves are provided for receiving teeth of a comb for removing articles from the belt. (39) The extension links are comprised of first and second groups, and the extension links of the first group have an upper surface forming a plane with the upper surface of the second group, thereby allowing the article to be A conveyor belt as claimed in claim 29 or 30, forming a plurality of grooves for receiving teeth of the comb being removed from the belt. 40. The upper surface of said module includes integrally molded means forming grooves parallel to a predetermined path for receiving teeth of a comb for removing articles from said belt. 30).The conveyor belt described in 30). 41. The conveyor belt of claim 23 or 30, wherein said plurality of modules are arranged in a brickwork configuration to form a conveyor belt that is wider than a single module. (42) a spacer disposed between the selected interlocking and connected parallel links, the spacer having the same thickness as the link ends and having a spacer disposed between the selected interlocking link ends; A conveyor belt according to claim 23 or 30, wherein the conveyor belt maintains position and facilitates movement of the link ends past each other. (43) The conveyor belt of claim (42), wherein the spacer is integrally molded with selected link ends of the plurality of first and second link ends. (44) said plurality of modules are arranged in a repeating pattern of first, second and third columns, the link ends of the modules forming each first column being aligned to form each second column; Claim 2: The link ends of the modules are aligned, and the modules forming each third row are aligned.
3) or the conveyor belt according to (30).